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Family: Cactaceae (Cactus family)
Mid-Atlantic bloom time:
May - June
Mid-Atlantic fruit ripe:
August - October
Eastern Prickly-pear is the only native cactus in the mid-Atlantic region. While edible, its fruit has tiny hair-like spines called glochids in its areoles (the small bumps on the fruit and other parts). If the glochids are not removed before handling, it can cause considerable discomfort.
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8 June 2022
Chapman State Park, Indian Head, MD 
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8 June 2022
Chapman State Park, Indian Head, MD 
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10 April 2021
Chapman State Park, Indian Head, MD (emerging flower head) 
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12 May 2021
Quarry Gardens, Schuyler, VA (emerging flower head) 
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8 June 2022
Chapman State Park, Indian Head, MD 
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8 June 2022
Chapman State Park, Indian Head, MD 
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6 October 2018
Zuni Pine Barrens, Zuni, VA (ripe fruits) 
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31 October 2016
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Chincoteague, VA 
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